Switch your business phone line to digital

Traditional phone lines are going digital. On 31 January 2027, all traditional phone lines will need to move to a digital service. For most businesses, this change can be managed smoothly with the right planning, but it’s important to start the process now.

Why businesses must act now:

Businesses often have more services and equipment connected to their phone line than households, so switching can take longer. Act now to avoid last-minute issues, such as:

Longer lead times for equipment upgrades and compatibility testing
Risk of disruption if equipment or connected services are not ready in time
Potential loss of phone service or connected systems if you miss the deadline

Who will be affected:

Any business with a traditional phone line
Businesses with a phone-only service
Businesses with phone and broadband services bundled together
Businesses using connected services such as CCTV, alarms, payment terminals or door entry systems

Speak to your service provider as soon as possible. Starting now will help you plan the move, check what needs updating and keep your business running smoothly.

Benefits of moving to digital with Full Fibre

Moving to digital phone lines can also be a good time to review your broadband and business connectivity. If Full Fibre is available at your premises, it could offer:

Faster, more reliable connectivity

Full Fibre provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, ideal for cloud-based services, video conferencing, and file sharing.

Future-proof infrastructure

Full Fibre, also known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), is designed to support growing business needs and emerging technologies.

Better value

Many providers offer competitive packages that bundle phone lines with high-speed broadband.

What do businesses need to do

Switching to digital phone lines needs advance planning, especially if you have multiple sites or equipment connected to your phone line. Here’s what to do now:

1. Review your connectivity estate

Check all equipment, services, and wiring connected to your phone line, including alarm systems, CCTV, payment terminals, door entry systems, lift emergency phones, and fire alarm monitoring.

2. Speak to your equipment providers

Contact equipment suppliers to understand what might need changing, including potential costs and timescales for upgrades or reconfigurations.

3. Contact your phone provider

Speak to your current service provider about moving to digital phone lines. They can help assess your needs, including any equipment connected to your phone line, and recommend a suitable option for your business.

Or find a new service provider - this can also be an opportunity to review your business communications and compare options available at your address.

4. Review your equipment

Check if you have equipment connected to your phone line, such as:

Alarm systems
CCTV systems
Payment card terminals
Door entry systems
Lift emergency phones
Fire alarm monitoring

Some equipment may need upgrading or reconfiguring to work with a digital phone line. Speak to your equipment supplier and service provider about compatibility before you switch.

If you only have a phone line (no broadband)

If you have a phone line but don’t have broadband, your service provider can help you find a suitable digital option for your business needs.

Additional resources and guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my business phone number change?

You can usually keep your existing business phone number when you switch to digital phone lines. Your service provider can confirm this for your business.
How much will it cost my business?

Costs vary by service provider and by the services your business needs. Factor in any equipment upgrades and speak to your provider, or compare options, so you can plan ahead.
What about our alarm system and CCTV?

If you have devices connected to your phone line, such as alarms or CCTV, check they are compatible with a digital phone line with your equipment provider. Your equipment supplier can confirm what, if anything, needs updating.
We have multiple sites - how do we manage the switch?

Work with your service provider to create a transition plan. Act now to manage the switch across multiple locations and reduce the risk of disruption.
What if we lose power - will our phones still work?

Digital phone lines rely on power and broadband, so they may not work during a power cut unless you have a backup power solution. Speak to your service provider if this is critical for your business.
What if I rent in a multi-dwelling unit (MOU) and can't get access to Full Fibre?

Your service provider can advise on suitable digital options for your building. If you rent in a shared building, speak to your landlord and provider early so you understand what is available.
What will happen if I don’t switch my business over to digital?

After 31 January 2027, traditional phone lines will no longer be available in the same way. If your business is still using services connected over the traditional network, you may be moved onto an emergency voice-only access service (EVAc), or you may lose your service altogether. Speak to your service provider as soon as possible so you understand what needs to happen before the deadline.
What if I’m on an ISDN service?

All services supported by ISDN need to be migrated to an IP service by January 2027 or your service will be ceased.